California Parent Organizations

FRC – Family Resource Center
The FRCs are part of the Early Start Program and are staffed by families of children with special needs. FRCs offer parent-to-parent support and help parents, families, and children locate and use needed services. Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates states to implement a comprehensive early intervention service system for all infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk, and their families.

PTI – Parent Training and Information Centers 198k PDF file
Parent Training and Information Centers are parent-directed, non-profit organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Education, authorized under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and private sources. PTIs serve families of children and young adults with disabilities birth to age 26. They provide training, information, parent-to-parent support, advocacy, support groups and resources to develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in planning and decision making relating to early intervention, educational, and transitional services.

FVCA – Family Voices of California
Family Voices of California is a clearinghouse for information and education about ways to assure and improve health care for children with disabilities and chronic conditions. They seek to ensure that the voices of families of children with special health care needs are heard at both the state and federal level when policies, votes and decisions are made.

FEC - Family Empowerment Centers on Disability 123k PDF file
The FECs provide services to families with children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 22 to ensure that parents, guardians, and families of children and young adults with disabilities have access to accurate information, specialized training, and peer-to-peer support. There are 14 FECs throughout California and services available vary by center.

PTI/CPRC Fact Sheet 115k PDF file
Community Parent Resource Centers provide information, education for families and professionals; parent-to-parent support; advocacy for children and families, transition to adult services for underserved and under-identified populations. They provide training and information to parents and people who work with parents to enable them to participate more effectively in helping their children.